Mitten Prep Hoops Scouting & Analysis

High school basketball summer camps have ended in Michigan with a plethora of exciting teams and players.

We have a long time between now and when teams will suit up for a chance to play at the Breslin Center, but some teams looked so impressive they have already separated themselves as strong contenders.

Here are some teams that showcased the talent and depth to make a long March postseason run:

Hudsonville Unity – Do not sleep on this team. The “other” private D2 schools in Grand Rapids have made the Breslin Center each of the last years (GRCC, South Christian and GR Christian) so Unity might make it a perfect four for four. Although this team might be void of a true star, they go at least six players deep of next-level prospects. In the post, Owen Vanderwaal (6-7) and Jake Chapman (6-6) will use their length and athleticism to create matchup problems. Max VanKoevering (6-2), Jack Kamminga (6-4) and Kyler Berghuis (6-2) will operate on the wing, with Kamminga showcasing elite shooting potential. Brogan Sherd (6-0) will likely man point guard duties. Chapman and VanKoevering are the only seniors of the group.

Lansing Waverly – The most impressive Division 1 team at BCAM, earning victories against Northview and OLSM to name a few. Junior forward Xavier Pendergrass (6-6) is going to be a massive breakout candidate. He has no weakness in his game. Pendergrass might readjust some of the less-sturdy rims throughout the state. DeShawnta Malone (5-10) is an extremely underrated prospect. He might be the quickest guard in the state. He wreaks havoc as a defensive stopper and has a multi-faceted skillset on offense. Derek Thomas (6-3) is the heart and soul of the team. Although undersized he is a consistent scoring and rebounder leader in the post. He might be able to switch to PG at the next level.

Romulus Summit – The Dragons were the most impressive Division 2 team at the BCAM camp. They destroyed teams. Dominic Krzesowiak (6-5) is a fast-rising wing prospect, who has an extremely versatile offensive game. He’s a knock-down 3-point shooter, he can drive to the basket, dunk and showed a nice mid-range game. He recently received a D1 college offer from Detroit Mercy. Chance Houser (6-5) showed a deft touch around the basket and had some dramatic blocks over the course of the camp. The trio of starting guards: Amir Perryman (5-10), Andrew Ashwood (6-1) and Jordan Fuller (5-10) are all lightning quick and consistent threats from 3-point range.

East Lansing – This is the year; it has to be. After losing in the quarterfinals two straight years, this is going to be the year East Lansing makes that incredibly long journey to the Breslin Center. All jokes aside, this Trojans team is stacked. Led by sons of two former Spartans, Cameron Hutson (6-5) and KJ Torbert (6-2), this team is explosive on offense. JC Branson (6-4) was potentially the BCAM camp MVP, proving he can be a versatile third scorer. Sophomore Kingston Thomas (6-3) recently picked up an offer from Toledo, and junior forward Dequarius Stewart (6-6) is an imposing defensive force. Point guard duties will be split between BJ Windham (6-1) and Cameron Essell (5-11), both of whom are also getting college looks.

Warren De La Salle – Possessing a quartet of next-level guards usually bodes well in the tournament. DLS is led by Toledo commit Phoenix Glassnor (6-0), whose flashy hair coincides with his spectacular game. Armoni Portis (6-1) is a D2 college prospect. He’s aggressive with and without the ball and also has great court vision. Braeden Holder (5-11) is an elite ball-handler who is a coach’s blessing against the trap. He’s also a solid shooter and tough to stop around the hoop. Julius Wilson (6-2) rounds out the group. He might be the best overall athlete and is a threat from the corner. DLS will rely on Spencer Scott (6-6) and Jayden Poggiolo (6-5) for rebounding and low-post scoring.

South Christian – The Sailors will be led by Western Michigan commit Carson Vis (6-3), who is one of the best in the state at getting to the rim and finishing through traffic. Vis is a capable 3-point shooter, who could have some upside as a point guard at the next level. Caleb Pleume (6-4) is a lethal shooter with a quick trigger expected to make a scoring leap as a senior. Isaac Schrotenboer (6-6) impressed at BCAM with his size and physicality in the paint. He’s this team’s x-factor and major mismatch potential. Noah Fackler (6-3) started last season as a role player, but he could be asked to score and distribute a little more this season. Charlie DeHaan (6-2) is a physical sleeper who uses his strength to drive defenders back and create space. He might be the team’s most consistent second scorer.

Muskegon Mona Shores -Jordan Bledsoe (6-0) is one of the better lead guards flying under the radar. He’s athletic, able to hit all the shots and great at setting up teammates. Milo Barangan (6-6) is going to be one of the next big recruiting breakout players this year. He’s tall and looks taller. He has a stunning wingspan and is a great shooter. Could have a Brady Swartz-like junior year. Jonathan Pittman (6-4) is a physical force; basically, a linebacker in a basketball uniform. Landyn Smith (6-6) provides another long, lean presence in the starting lineup, although his defense is a little more advanced than his scoring prowess, at this point. Luke Forrest (6-2) and Ryan Opsommer (6-2) are highly-rated juniors ready to showcase their skills.

U.D. Jesuit – Barring injury, this is my pick for a Division 1 state title. Elite starting lineup, led by captivating point guard Leroy Blyden Jr. (6-1). Blyden is the latest in a seemingly never-ending line of great Cubs point guards. He is quicker and more athletic than Cassius Winston but doesn’t have his build. Xavier Johnson (6-4) is an electric wing and more-than-capable second scorer, who can take over games in his own right. Watch out for junior forward Jaden Garwood (6-6). He has D1 college upside. Sebastian Randolph (6-7) mans the paint with his solid frame and quick feet. David Herron III (6-3) will be the favorite for the third scorer role after he finished strong last season. Transfers Drew Wilson (6-1) and Prince Ravenna-El (6-0) are high-rated prospects.

Orchard Lake St. Mary’s – A third straight trip to the Breslin Center seems likely for the defending D1 champs. Five-star recruit Trey McKenney (6-4) just announced the seven colleges he will visit this fall (Michigan State, Michigan, Oregon, USC, Creighton, Ohio State and Notre Dame). He’s the best player Michigan has had since Emoni Bates. Point guard Sharrod Barnes (6-2) committed to Western Michigan this summer. He’s a gritty competitor who has developed a dangerous outside shot. Isaiah “Zip” Hines (5-11) is a quick, explosive guard who also has D1 offers. Forward Jayden Savoury (6-6) chose football as one of the fastest-rising TE prospects, signing with Michigan State. Watch out for sophomore Peyton Kemp (6-1). He’s a potentially nationally-ranked recruit still trying to find his footing after a severe knee injury.

Hudsonville – Griffin Baker (6-2), Joey Miller (6-4) and Jovaan Daniels (5-9) are a strong trio few teams are going to be able to figure out. Miller and Baker are knockdown shooters, while Daniels has potential to be a dynamic lead guard. Hudsonville certainly won’t hurt for depth, able to play upwards of 12 guys, but keep an eye on sophomore Alex Armstrong (6-5), who looks like he will develop into a college basketball player.

Warren Lincoln – The defending D2 state champs return four key players from last year’s squad and then added the state’s biggest transfer this summer. Northern Iowa commit Geon Hutchins (6-4) announced in June that he was moving from Oak Park to Lincoln, joining forces with fellow D1 college prospects Markus Blackwell (6-2) and Moses Blackwell (5-7). That’s the best guard trio in the state, electric in all aspects. The Abes also return Da’Marion Bozeman (6-5), who has picked up some D2 offers this summer. Christopher Morgan (6-7) will round out the starting lineup as a sweet-shooting stretch-4. Depth might be the only issue.

Detroit University Prep – A nice blend of dependable guards and athletic forwards should help UPrep make another long run. Led by D2 college prospect Dimuanye Smith-Poe (6-0), who is an excellent passer and scorer. I’ve said he reminds me of a younger, shorter Chauncey Billups and I stand by that. Ryan Neal (6-3) has impressed this summer. He’s a versatile asset who can play on the wing or be undersized in the post. Juniors Maurice Jackson (6-4) and Chris Byrd (6-4) have shown they can be explosive scorers with upside. Pay attention to Darnell Murphy Jr. (6-1), who is returning this season from injury. He has always been a highly respected prospect.

Brother Rice – I didn’t think I’d be impressed with this team – for the first time in years the Warriors have no obvious D1 prospect on their roster – but they played with unity and a high level of efficiency. Starters David Williams (6-1), Jacob Moon (6-1), Greg Grays Jr. (6-2), Jeremiah Caffey (6-3) and Trevor Smith (6-8) possess a nice blend of strength and outside shooting. Speaking of elite shooting, freshman Adam Tribul (6-0) can heat up in a hurry. When watching this team play at Grand Valley, I was immediately reminded of some of Tom Izzo’s MSU teams – potentially void of future NBA stars – but perfect for his system and ultimately wound up in the Final Four.

Belleville – Braylon Mannon (6-8) is a rising prospect still gaining comfort, offensively. Mannon is a thunderous dunker and efficient area rebounder. He has D2 offers. Brighton Birangui-Booto (6-5) has polished his offensive skills and could be a breakout candidate. I can’t say enough about sophomore guard Adam Coats (6-2). He looks like the real deal. He’s already one of the best in the state at getting to the basket. If he develops an outside shot, watch out. Shemar Woodson (6-3) is a steady point guard and team leader with a versatile game.

Grandville – I really like the Bulldogs’ team dynamic. They have a nice blend of strong, athletic guards, dangerous wings and muscle in the paint. Sophomore point guard Carter Wade (6-1) is a future star. He has great command and confidence leading the offense. He has a quick and powerful first step, terrific vision and a solid outside and mid-range shot. Collin Heyboer (6-6) is an ever-rising wing who is known as a shooter, but also looked explosive around the rim this summer. Caden Neves (6-6) is a solid presence. He’s a smart player who rarely makes mistakes. He’s reliable on both ends of the court and could be a real threat with a more consistent outside shot.

Byron Center – Fans of European football know that Belgium just exited a “Golden Era”. Unfortunately for Belgians, they never lived up to the billing, failing to win a single trophy. Byron Center has been in the midst of its own “Golden Era” of talent recently but have struggled to get out of a very competitive district. That could end this year. BC will be led by Bowling Green commit Camden Karel (6-9), who is one of the most athletic bigs in the Midwest. Isaac Lee (6-1) is a physically imposing point guard who can also drain 3-pointers. Keane Hinkle (5-11) and Cassius Bont (6-3) will start on the wing, each with their own college ambitions. East Kentwood transfer Jaden Bowman (6-6) adds versatility and tremendous defense.